Israeli draft

IDF overhauls pre-draft medical screening checks during military conscription process with AI

The IDF is overhauling its pre-draft medical screening to streamline the process, remove unnecessary exams, and introduce new tests for better accuracy and efficiency in preparing draft candidates.

Young Israelis arrive to the Israeli army recruitment center at Tel Hashomer, outside of Tel Aviv on March 17, 2020.
Released Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen at the funeral of Israeli soldier Staff Sgt. Daniel Oz, at the military cemetery in Kfar Saba.

Former hostage Nimrod Cohen announces return to IDF: 'Didn't do enough during my mandatory service'

Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot embrace at draft law protests in Jerusalem on January 15, 2026.

Lapid, Eisenkot, and Bennett back reservists at Jerusalem draft law protest

HAREDIM SCUFFLE with police outside Jerusalem’s IDF Recruitment Center, Nov. 12.

IDF cancels ultra-Orthodox Hashmonaim Brigade event for parents in Bnei Brak after haredi riot


Going to Work

There is fear the new conscription bill could set Israel back, as haredim are able to once again postpone service, which has tended to be an indicator of integration into the economy.

Ultra-Orthodox protestors of the draft are sprayed with water canons in Bnei Brak

IDF draft dodger released from mandatory service after 100 days in prison

Brachfeld was imprisoned four times by the IDF.

Conscientious objector Ayelet Brachfeld

The new conscription plan: Taking the easy route to inequality

Though many ultra-Orthodox politicians expressed outrage at the original publishing of this new bill, some view the proposal as a double achievement.

Young haredim take part in a protest against mandatory IDF conscription, March 2018

Former IDF chief working on plan to draft all haredim and Arabs

The draft plan could be a stepping stone for Gantz to enter politics.

Former IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz speaks at Limmud FSU

IDF reservists call to investigate US funding promoting draft-dodging

“It is our belief that the direct financing of activities that endorse draft dodging is unacceptable, especially between respectable allies and friends like the United States and Israel.”

IDF soldiers participating in the Or HaDagan Northern Command drill, September, 2017.

Students pen letter refusing draft: IDF implements policy of racist gov't

The students called on other youth to question and refuse enlistment in the IDF.

A conscript displays his identifying dog tag at the Tel Hashomer Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Recruitment Center near Tel Aviv March 14, 2010.

WATCH: Police suppress Haredi draft protest with skunk water, force

Police have employed skunk water and other physical methods to disperse the crowds and have arrested at least 25 men so far.

Ultra-Orthodox protestors of the draft are sprayed with water canons in Bnei Brak

Police: We handled haredi draft protesters carefully and cautiously

90 of the 120 men arrested have been released, though smaller-scale demonstrations have continued.

Police arrest a haredi man protesting against the drafting of ultra-Orthodox into the IDF, October 2017

September 17, 2017: Torah and the draft

Reuven Hammer makes it clear that Jewish law not only fails to exempt Torah students from serving in a national Jewish army, but clearly makes it mandatory.

Letters

Comment: Employment springboard- how haredi men benefit from IDF service

It is true that the Israeli army is not meeting its induction goals.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews attend a protest against a law calling for members of their community to serve in the army, in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood December 22, 2015.